Phaedra Parks of The Real Housewives of Atlantarecently announced that she and husband Apollo Nida are having their second child, but her pregnancy wasn’t the only reason Bravo‘s “southern belle” was keeping mum over the past several weeks….

Phaedra Parks and Apollo Nida are thrilled to be welcoming their second child into the family (we can only imagine this baby shower!). Although the couple was sure to keep their baby news a secret from the press, the Atlanta-based entertainment lawyer reveals there was another reason that she was “absent” from her Bravo blog as of late.

“In early November my grandmother became ill and I chose to direct all of my energy and focused on caring for her and supporting my mother,” Parks writes. “Unfortunately, on November 25, my dear grandmother passed away.”

After planning her grandmother’s funeral — which was no doubt a typical Phaedra Parks event — the family was dealt another blow.

“As we were returning home from my grandmother’s obsequies, we learned that Apollo’s grandmother passed away,” Phaedra explains. “So, we have been very busy caring for our families and managing the tender moments of loss and grief.”

“My grandmother was my inspiration and graced the Earth for 95 years — what a blessing! She was vibrant, courageous, and very outspoken,” says Parks. “I am proud to have known her. It was her example and life that gave me the courage to always strive for excellence.”

Phaedra’s Real Housewives of Atlanta co-stars have been a tremendous support to her throughout this time. The soon-to-be mother-of-two took time out to give a special thanks to “Kandi, NeNe, Cynthia and her lovely mother and daughter Noelle for their kind deeds and comforting words during our time of bereavement.”